surveillance

sur·veil·lance

noun
\sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s\

Definition of SURVEILLANCE

: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective); also : supervision

Examples of SURVEILLANCE

1. government surveillance of suspected terrorists
2. The bank robbery was recorded by surveillance video cameras.

Origin of SURVEILLANCE

French, from surveiller to watch over, from sur- + veiller to watch, from Old French veillier, from Latin vigilare, from vigil watchful — more at vigil

First Known Use: 1802

Related to SURVEILLANCE

Synonyms: care, charge, guidance, headship, oversight, regulation, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, supervision

Related Words: monitoring, observance, observation, observing, policing; administration, control, direction, generalship, hand(s), management, running; leadership, piloting, shepherding, steering; government, reign, rule; aegis (also egis), auspices, guardianship, protection, trusteeship, tutelage

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